TACKLING CRIME

The Bonney Crime Forum

In March 2020, after hearing stories of break-ins, stolen cars and property, and other brazen attacks across Parkwood and Arundel, I ran a community crime forum at the Arundel Tavern.

Ironically, at the same time I was getting messages or hearing about increased crime, the Arundel Police Hub, a fantastic facility with over 100 police from our area based there, was opened. Those officers are the elite RAP squad and it does concern me to hear a number of them are currently on border duties instead of getting around our city.

We had over 200 locals come along and share their views with senior police officers and our shadow ministers. It was important because it let our community be heard by the people who can do something about what they are going through. Much of the night was spent talking about youth crime. There is a clear sentiment that the justice system is not working, particularly when it comes to these repeat young offenders. Stories of juveniles getting caught and getting a slap on the wrist means residents feel like there is no point even reporting a crime. It means these kids will often laugh off the possibility of ever being held to account for their actions.

Most attendees filled out a survey and the top three concerns about crime were safety at home, soft punishments for young people committing crimes and locals scared to use public transport, particularly at night. The last one is a real worry because these two suburbs have light rail stage 2 right next to them. We do not want any disincentive to use our trams. Alarmingly, 77 per cent of people felt the criminal justice system is not working. People said they wanted to see more police on the ground and increased penalties.

decreasing youth crime

Youth crime is a particular concern and people want something done about it. Residents in my electorate are reporting increasing rates of robbery, hooning, vandalism and even knife crime. These young offenders are reckless and won’t stop until the penalty is serious enough.

The Beasley family know first hand the life changing impact youth crime has. They lost their son Jacko to knife violence and have been campaigning ever since to change the laws and keep our kids safe.

These crimes leave behind fear, grief and instability, let alone the loss of property; yet it seems to have no impact at all on those who commit them. There is deep frustration at the lack of action and lack of consequences for offenders. The current approach is clearly not working. Our plan is tough but it gets the balance right.

The LNP will remove the principle of detention as a last resort, bring back breach of bail as an offence and scrap Labor’s ‘catch and release’ bail laws to control the skyrocketing crime caused by repeat offenders. The LNP will also introduce laws to recognise prior offending in the courts. This will mean a court sentencing an adult is able to admit evidence that the adult was found guilty as a child of an offence even if a conviction was not recorded, giving courts a more complete picture of adult offenders’ histories.

It gives real consequences and deterrence along with early intervention and rehabilitation, and the government should adopt it immediately.

The harbour town police beat

Harbour Town is a major precinct in our area. It is a defining feature. It brings people from around the globe. It is Australia’s first outlet centre and one of the largest, with over 55,000 square metres and over 240 shops. Nearly 10 million people go through it a year, and 42 per cent of them are tourists. It is both a tourism hub and a favourite for locals with shopping, entertainment and food.

The police are called on regularly not just within its boundaries but in the suburbs surrounding it. In 2019 there were over 500 offences committed within Harbour Town and its direct surrounds. After years of fighting to get the Police Beat moved from Biggera Waters and into the centre, we finally got things happening.

I even offered to pay the $1 rent myself!

This police beat will be manned daily by 2 officers, giving locals easy access to police services and a way to speak to them face to face. It’s so important to maintaining the safety of Harbour Town visitors and residents in the area.